This is a helpful and fascinating look at one couple's long-term experience buying land and turning it into an organic farm with permaculture principles. I loved the use of photos that showed the transformation over the years and the accounts of what worked, what didn't, and how they did it. This would be a great read for anyone interested in starting an organic farm or transforming their property to a more natural one, and also just is a great read for anybody interested in the subject.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.

Farming on the Wild Side
The Evolution of a Regenerative Organic Farm and Nursery
by Nancy J. Hayden, John P. Hayden


When I saw this book up for review I thought it might provide information to use on the nearly 7 acres of land my husband inherited from his mother and grows a variety of crops on (for fun). I also wanted to compare it to what I had heard related to a documentary “The Biggest Little Farm”. My feeling is that two to three decades ago there must have been a number of “farmers” who became interested in making a difference in the way farming was done. They had ideas and learned by by doing on property purchased to experiment. They had goals that may have changed as they learned and adapted and since they kept records of what they had tried and done and achieved they were able to share this information years later. One farm on the west coast and this one in Vermont definitely are intriguing. I enjoyed reading and learning and came away with some ideas for our land and have recommended this book already to family and friends.

Thank you to NetGalley and Chelsea Green Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Very entertaining read about a couple in Vermont who describe their experiences (good and bad) about organic farming. With 25 years of ups and downs, it is very interesting. We have toyed with the idea on a much smaller scale, and this does give wonderful tips and advice.The progression from Organic to Regenerative was also interesting to follow. I like the non-preachiness of the book, the tips on a wide variety of things, from animals, to plants, to concepts I never thought about. Have had dairy farmers in our family, but they always took the calves away. Interesting to read that allowing partial feeding, the calves are stronger, bigger and less susceptible to diseases. Makes sense, but not something I had thought about. Highly recommend this book. Hard to put down.